Aguascalientes Attractions
How to get there
By rail from Mexico City, a journey of about 14 hours; by bus about 9 hours; by car on the MEX 57 as far as Querétaro, then MEX 45 via Salamanca.
This most agreeable of colonial cities located at the heart of Mexico is very Spanish in atmosphere. The climate is exceptionally pleasant and Aguascalientes lies surrounded by orchards and haciendas where fighting bulls are reared. Renowned for its pottery, embroideries and woven goods, it has also long been famous for its Feria de San Marcos, the colourful spring festival which has inspired many a folk song.
History
It took the invading Spaniards until 1575, and then only at the end of a hard-fought campaign against the semi-nomadic native population, before they were able to establish a town here, bestowing on it the melodious-sounding name of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de las Aguas Calientes (the latter part, meaning "warm waters", reflecting the numerous thermal springs near by). For a long time it was little more than an outpost against hostile Indian tribes. When in 1857 a state of the Republic was created under the same name, Aguascalientes became the capital. As a major rail junction it was hotly contested during the years of revolution (1910-20), passing repeatedly from one side to the other.
Aguascalientes is also known as La Ciudad Perforada - "the perforated city" - on account of the labyrinth of passages extending beneath it. These catacombs, carved from the rock by pre-colonial Indians of unknown origin, are not at present open to the public.
By rail from Mexico City, a journey of about 14 hours; by bus about 9 hours; by car on the MEX 57 as far as Querétaro, then MEX 45 via Salamanca.
This most agreeable of colonial cities located at the heart of Mexico is very Spanish in atmosphere. The climate is exceptionally pleasant and Aguascalientes lies surrounded by orchards and haciendas where fighting bulls are reared. Renowned for its pottery, embroideries and woven goods, it has also long been famous for its Feria de San Marcos, the colourful spring festival which has inspired many a folk song.
History
It took the invading Spaniards until 1575, and then only at the end of a hard-fought campaign against the semi-nomadic native population, before they were able to establish a town here, bestowing on it the melodious-sounding name of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de las Aguas Calientes (the latter part, meaning "warm waters", reflecting the numerous thermal springs near by). For a long time it was little more than an outpost against hostile Indian tribes. When in 1857 a state of the Republic was created under the same name, Aguascalientes became the capital. As a major rail junction it was hotly contested during the years of revolution (1910-20), passing repeatedly from one side to the other.
Aguascalientes is also known as La Ciudad Perforada - "the perforated city" - on account of the labyrinth of passages extending beneath it. These catacombs, carved from the rock by pre-colonial Indians of unknown origin, are not at present open to the public.
Centro Cultural (Los Arquitos)
Los Arquitos housed a spa that was operational from 1821 to 1973. Currently only ruins remain.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
Always closed on:
Winter solstice - First day of winter (December 21)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Ecclesiastical Buildings
As well as the 18th c. cathedral the city of Aguascalientes has a number of other important ecclesiastical buildings. These include the church of San Marcos, in which can be seen a painting "The Adoration of the Magi" by José Alzíbar, the church of El Encino, endowed with a black Christ and pictures by Andrés Lopés, the church of San Antonio, built this century in the Neo-Byzantine-style, and the Convento de San Diego where there are a number of very interesting paintings.
Feria de San Marcos
The major tourist attraction of Aguascalientes is the Feria de San Marcos which has been celebrated every April and May since 1604. Held in honour of the city's patron saint, the festival features bull and cock fighting, charreadas, serenades, firework displays and a great deal more.
A visit to a nearby hacienda where fighting bulls are reared can be strongly recommended to any aficionados.
A visit to a nearby hacienda where fighting bulls are reared can be strongly recommended to any aficionados.
Instituto Cultural
In the Instituto Cultural, Zaragoza 505, can be seen pictures by Saturnino Herrán (1887-1918) and Gabriel Fernández Ledesma (1900-83), both born in the state.
Among items of interest in the Instituto Cultural (Zaragoza 45) are pictures by Saturnino Herrán (1887-1918) and Gabriel Fernández Ledesma (1900-83), both of whom were from Aguascalientes (state).
Among items of interest in the Instituto Cultural (Zaragoza 45) are pictures by Saturnino Herrán (1887-1918) and Gabriel Fernández Ledesma (1900-83), both of whom were from Aguascalientes (state).
Museo Jose Guadalupe Posada
The Museo Posada in the Jardín del Encino (attached to the church of that name) comprises an exhibition of prints and drawings by Juan Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913). A native of Aguascalientes, he became famous for his socio-political caricatures. Other drawings by the same artist explore the topic of death, again through the medium of caricature.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
This museum was opened in 1991 and shows national and international works.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Mexican Constitution Day (Día de la Constititución) (February 5)
Mexico - Benito Juárez Birthday (March 21)
Mexico - Battle of Pueblo Day (May 5)
Mexico National Day (September 1)
Mexican Independence Day (September 16)
Mexican Revolution Day (November 20)
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Mexican Constitution Day (Día de la Constititución) (February 5)
Mexico - Benito Juárez Birthday (March 21)
Mexico - Battle of Pueblo Day (May 5)
Mexico National Day (September 1)
Mexican Independence Day (September 16)
Mexican Revolution Day (November 20)
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Museo de la Ciudad
Opposite the church of San Antonio stands the Museo de la Ciudad housing a fine art collection.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Mexican Constitution Day (Día de la Constititución) (February 5)
Mexico - Benito Juárez Birthday (March 21)
Mexico - Battle of Pueblo Day (May 5)
Mexico National Day (September 1)
Mexican Independence Day (September 16)
Mexican Revolution Day (November 20)
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Mexican Constitution Day (Día de la Constititución) (February 5)
Mexico - Benito Juárez Birthday (March 21)
Mexico - Battle of Pueblo Day (May 5)
Mexico National Day (September 1)
Mexican Independence Day (September 16)
Mexican Revolution Day (November 20)
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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Thermal Springs
It is for its thermal springs, found both in the city and the countryside around, that Aguascalientes is best known and most valued however. The healing qualities of the springs attract many Mexican and foreign visitors.
